Chaleur Region Community Feature – Youghall Beach
In the fall of 2023, Healthy Coasts NB partners embarked on a unique ecological restoration effort at Youghall Beach, nestled on the shores of Bathurst Harbour in Northern New Brunswick’s Chaleur Region.
This pilot project led by Birds Canada brought together various partners to tackle a challenge of increasing concern: how to stabilize a rapidly eroding coastal bank while protecting vital nesting habitat for the Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia), a threatened species in Canada.
Bank Swallow Habitat Meets Living Shoreline Innovation
The eroding cliffs at Youghall Beach serve as prime nesting grounds for Bank Swallows, identifiable by their distinctive rows of nest holes. While the erosion creates this ideal habitat, it also puts the surrounding area and community infrastructure at risk.
This project blended ecological restoration techniques to slow shoreline erosion with the preservation of Bank Swallow habitat; something never before attempted in this way.
“We knew it was essential that we maintain the habitat for this endangered species, while providing protection against storm surges, flooding, and erosion.”
— Lauren Stead, past Program Manager, Nature NB
A Day of Hard Work and Hope
On a humid fall day, volunteers and partners gathered at the site to learn from partners and contractor Helping Nature Heal. Participants then unloaded grasses, perennials, shrubs, and trees to begin constructing a living shoreline. Young and old joined together, planting vegetation that will one day:
- Stabilize the soil through extensive root networks
- Absorb wave energy to reduce erosion
- Provide shelter for wildlife
- Preserve the Bank Swallow’s nesting grounds
By the end of the day, hands were muddy, bodies were sore, but hearts were full.
“There is a real sense of community and connection in this work.”
Why This Matters
Bank Swallows are small, agile aerial insectivores found across much of the globe, yet their numbers in Canada have declined by an alarming 98% over the past 40 years. This steep decline underscores the urgency of protecting and restoring critical nesting habitats like those found at Youghall Beach, a priority that Nature NB and our partners are actively addressing.
Get Involved
Want to help support habitat restoration and species recovery across New Brunswick’s coasts?
- Volunteer with us: Stay tuned for upcoming events and plantings.
- Follow us: @Nature.NB on social media. (and event page on healthy coasts website)
- Sign the pledge to Act for Birds in NB
- Donate : Support us to fund future conservation projects like this one.
Project Partners
